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Album: Fearless (Big Machine)
In stores: Now
Why we care: There's never been a more cynical time in pop music, at least from a critic's viewpoint. Not only do we assume most Top 40 tartlets aren't doing their own singing - we've accepted it, grading on cultural impact, art be damned. The 18-year-old Swift's pop-country pirouettes have all the weight of a dandelion crown, but she can sing and write and flash a genuine smile. She's the hottest thing in music more for what she's not.
Why we like it: With feet-on-dashboard beats and innocent strums, Swift details the kind of drama and heartbreak that can devastate a kid . . . at least until after recess. Catchy fluff.
Reminds us of: The star pupil at Faith Hill's Camp for Exceptional Blonds.
Download these: Love Story and Fearless
Grade: B
Travis
Album: Ode to J. Smith (Fontana)
In stores: Now
Why we care: Time was, a Brit-pop boy could be proud of his mopey, heart-splattered ways.But hark,there's a change a-brewin'! First Coldplay went muscular with Viva la Vida. Then Keane got New Wavey. And now Travis, who once lamented Why Does It Always Rain on Me?, has plugged in the fuzzbox. What gives, guys?
Why we like it: Scottish frontmanFran Healy is a fabu hook-writer, but no matter the material, his voice always sounded like he was holding back epic sobs. Healy's not entirely over the weepies, but his upper register often curdles with Dylanesque venom. At one point, an overdramatic Latin chorus even rages forth!
Reminds us of: Oasis' Champagne Supernova
Download these: J. Smith, Long Way Down
Grade: C'
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